How are permits assessed?
The permit assessment phase involves public notice, an application for a permit that provides detailed data, a scientific review and payment of fees. This system has been in place since 1975. Applicants must provide the required information. For dredged material and geological matter, this can require field sampling and laboratory analysis. As well, additional information may be required to assess specific concerns of a proposed site. Permits are assessed by Environment Canada with advice from the Regional Ocean Disposal Advisory Committee (RODAC). This expert committee includes representation from Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and often from relevant provincial regulatory authorities. The permit review involves a numbers of steps and may take 2 to 3 months. This includes a 30 day waiting period that is mandatory under CEPA. Given this, applicants are advised to discuss their sampling and analysis plans with Program staff before beginning any work to ensure that they
